Learning integer numbers representation by means of an Aronson's puzzle

摘要

This work presents an experience developed with first year students of Grade on Computers and Grade on Telecommunications at Universitat Politècnica de València. The academic programme of both grades includes an introductory course to computers, called Computer Fundamentals. The course is different for each grade, but they share some topics. One of these common topics is data representation in computers, including positional numeral systems and representation of integer and floating point numbers, among other data representation like characters. In order to give students the opportunity to train soft skills and also to give a chance to enjoy learning, the lessons related to integer numbers representation in computers was planned as an Aronson's puzzle. This work presents a detailed description of six experiences developed in academic years 2013/14, 2014/2015 and 2015/16. Results from two satisfaction surveys are presented