This thesis would not appear in its present form without the kind assistance and support of the following individuals and organizations:

In Academia

This thesis would not have been possible without the kind support, multiple discussions, helpful advice, and of course the critical insights of my thesis advisor - Dr. Leslie Regan-Shade. Leslie, I cannot thank you enough for your unfailing support.

I am also grateful to Liz Miller, my second reader, a fantastic teacher, and a great inspiration.

To my third reader Dr. Sandra J. Weber, I am grateful both for your involvement in this project, and for starting me on the path to youth and media in our previous work together.

In the Community

To Lynn and Tanya and the Atwater Library and Computer Centre for making a place for youth media production.

To Marlo, Christina, and Jos at Hand & Hands, and to Lynn and Neil of W.O.R.D, for their support and eloquent contributions to this research.

To Kate and Matt of the Digital Literacy Project for excellent facilitation, and for their thoughtful contributions to this research. To Matt especially for being a snarky and conversational interviewer.

To Allannah Murphy of James Lyng CLC. Your support of both my work and research has meant so much to me, I can't thank you enough.

Family and Friends

I am indebted to my Geb my father and Marie, and to my brother and sister-in-law Evan and Daniella for for providing both the means and the encouragement to further my learning. To my father especially for the reading help. I am sure my mother Susan, would be proud of me today, and I like to think she lent me some of her determination in completing this project to deadline.

To Simon for being a smart-ass yet supportive. To Steven for all the dinners, and for making me laugh. To Rami, for the dinners, and for helping me not over-think. Especially to Alison for being an inspiration, and for reliable and excellent editorial advice. And to Jen for solid friendship, and for picking up the slack with clients ;). And to Mike for pushing me.

Lastly, to Dr. Norton who's guidance and support has helped me nourish the calmness of spirit and psyche necessary for sustained focus of this magnitude.

To everyone else who had to listen to a sentence that began with: "Can I read you something/Can I send you something to read/ I had this idea about my thesis..." and did not simply change the subject.