Improving Microtask Platforms with the Intent of Alleviating Poverty
Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Civil Engineering
Research Advisor
Oerther, Daniel B.
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Funding Source
John and Susan Mathes Endowed Chair of Environmental Engineering
Abstract
Crowdsourcing has a tremendous potential for bringing substantial economic improvement into both developed and developing regions of the world. Although the technology and ability to solve complex problems has existed in various forms, crowdsourcing has not reached its potential as a formidable business opportunity. Inefficiencies in current crowdsourcing technology are limiting the growth of potential businesses in both the developed and developing world. This study takes the simple crowdsourcing task of grading elementary spelling tests in order to take a deeper look at the problems and inefficiencies of typical crowdsourcing business. Current crowdsourcing platforms may not be utilized because of the difficult nature of programming the tasks. Another hurdle lies in defining a good method to solve a problem. If these problems can be addressed, crowdsourcing may prove to be a powerful tool in combatting poverty on a large scale.
Biography
Tyler is a senior in civil engineering. After taking a course from Dr. Oerther and learning about his research interests, he decided to get involved with Dr. Oerther and Mr. Schriner's Pulacloud.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Improving Microtask Platforms with the Intent of Alleviating Poverty
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Crowdsourcing has a tremendous potential for bringing substantial economic improvement into both developed and developing regions of the world. Although the technology and ability to solve complex problems has existed in various forms, crowdsourcing has not reached its potential as a formidable business opportunity. Inefficiencies in current crowdsourcing technology are limiting the growth of potential businesses in both the developed and developing world. This study takes the simple crowdsourcing task of grading elementary spelling tests in order to take a deeper look at the problems and inefficiencies of typical crowdsourcing business. Current crowdsourcing platforms may not be utilized because of the difficult nature of programming the tasks. Another hurdle lies in defining a good method to solve a problem. If these problems can be addressed, crowdsourcing may prove to be a powerful tool in combatting poverty on a large scale.
