Oral history interview with Robert Serrell

Abstract

The interview is devoted to discussion of the SCRIBE computer system developed by Serrell for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the late 1950s to process multiple choice tests. Serrell explains how he became involved with the project. He reviews the technical specifications, operation, capabilities, and modifications of the optical scanner used in SCRIBE. He compares his work on SCRIBE to his work on other projects: the design of facsimile machinery to transmit photographs by radio at General Electric (GE) in the late 1920s, Navy contract work on computers at GE in the 1930s, and television development at Radio Corporation of America and Columbia Broadcasting System in the 1930s.

Serrell also describes his work on the Teaching Machine, which was built for ETS in the 1960s, and speculates on possible future applications of technology to education.