> just like asking what the sum of 2 + 2
> is and expecting to pass when answering 4 (hint the correct 
> answer is: there are three possible answers: 1 in base 3, 0 
> in base 4, 
> and 4 in all other bases higher than 4 

I disagree (of course!). The correct answer is 2, in all bases, because
+ is (OK, among other interpretations...) the mathematical notation of
the IOR operation.

I just dragged 2 fresh classes through an introduction course on
computer technology. One boy almost lynched me when, after having to
learn to add and substract in all kinds of number systems, he also had
to absorb that his familiar + sign (which had just been extended to
adding of non-base-10 number) could also mean IOR. I could of course
only sympathise. I tried to hint him about other rings and semi-rings. I
don't think any of that got through, which was probably for the better.

My conclusion: every communication (including a question) needs a
context. In most cases it is the responsibility of the sender to make
sure that the receiver knows the intended context. Don't assume too
easily that your familiar context is the only possible one. Been there,
hit my nose: being a (part-time) teacher I have to make exam texts. It
is amazing how easily a question that seemed perfectly clear to me can
be misunderstood because I did not make my assumtions (context)
explicit. Needless to say, in such situations (provided that the student
gave the correct answer under his interpretation) I must give the full
points for the question, even though I did not get the answer I wanted.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 
 

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