Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Dr. Shengru Tu for the confidence he showed in me and for his encouragement without which I would not have pursued a masters degree in computer science. Dr. Tu's help was also invaluable in researching and producing this document.

Thanks also to Dr. Alma Young and Jennifer Suban of the College of Urban Studies. The research for this thesis comes out of the Toyota Families for Learning project coordinated by Dr. Young and Ms. Suban. And thanks to Dr. Chinthia Roy and Dr. Mackie Blanton, professors of Linguistics.

My gratitude is extended to Dr. Golden Richard and Dr. Jaime Nino of the Department of Computer Science for serving on my Thesis committee and for their expert guidance while at the University of New Orlenas.

Most important of all is the support I received from my family. My sons, Denny and Barret, were role models and showed me the rationale for returning to school after a thirty year absence. The courage to return was provided by my wife, Garry. Her faith in me and her selfless encouragement were more than any person could expect.

George North
November 1996