Reinterpreting mobile learning : an activity theoretic analysis of the use of portable devices in higher education

Although there is growing interest in investigating mobile learning, it is not well conceptualised. This thesis investigates the concept of 'mobile learning' by exploring students' routine learning activities mediated by the use of tools and taking place in mUltiple contexts. The exploration does not focus on what and whether students are learning; rather, it focuses on how they use tools to accomplish learning practices. This involves exploring the relationship between context and learning practices.\ud This thesis draws on three case studies that examined the use of portable devices in two Institutions of Higher Education with different contexts: traditional learning and portable technology assisted learning. The methodology used in the studies focused on collecting data that reflects on students' actual utilisation of portable devices and the continuity of that in different contexts (formal and informal) using observations and log files collected from students' portables. In addition, it considered triangulating students' self reports collected through questionnaires and interviews. Moreover, the methodology aimed at capturing the context of learning activities to consider and understand the relationship between context and learning activities. The empirical data was analysed using the concepts of activity theory (Engestrom, 1987) and a theory of mobile learning (Sharples et a1., 2007c).\ud The research led to presenting a conceptualisation of mobile learning using activity theory based on the concept of context-crossing. Context is embodied as the physical as well as the social features of the learning activities which also influences and is influenced by learning activities. The study also found that both new and old portable devices are important for students engaged in mobile learning, however, new portable technologies enable students to practise learning activities and create contexts that students using conventional devices could not do or create. \u

Distribution of COPD-related symptoms in the Middle East and North Africa: Results of the BREATHE study

WOS: 000314135500005PubMed ID: 23290701Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, its epidemiology in many developing countries is poorly characterised. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate respiratory symptoms which could be COPD-related in a large sample of individuals aged 40 years in ten countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates), together with Pakistan, using a standardised methodology. A random sample of 457,258 telephone numbers was contacted. A screening questionnaire was administered to each eligible participant, which included six questions relating to respiratory symptoms. Of 65,154 eligible subjects, 62,086 agreed to participate and 61,551 provided usable data. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of symptoms (persistent productive cough or breathlessness or both) was 14.3% [95% CI: 14.0-14.6%], ranging from 7.2% in UAE to 19.1% in Algeria. Symptoms were more frequent (p = 10 pack-years) was 3.6% [95% CI: 3.5-3.7%] (range: 1.9% in UAE to 6.1% in Syria). COPD was more frequent (p < 0.0001) in men (5.2%) than in women (1.8%). The frequency of symptoms was significantly higher in cigarette smokers (p < 0.001), as well as in waterpipe users (p < 0.026). In conclusion, the prevalence of COPD in this region seems to be lower than that reported in industrialised countries. Under-reporting and risk factors other than smoking may contribute to this difference. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Infomine Research Middle East; MS Health; Nielsen and Omega CROThe BREATHE Study Group would like to thank Selen Atabay and Levent Yildiz for their support throughout the study, Wisco Kajingu (MS Health, Rabat, Morocco) for his contribution to the data analysis, all the participating Contract Research Organisations (Infomine Research Middle East, MS Health, Nielsen and Omega CRO) and finally all GlaxoSmithKline affiliates and personnel involved in the study

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Results of the BREATHE study

WOS: 000314135500007PubMed ID: 23290704COPD is a progressive pulmonary disease which may have a profound impact on general health status and quality of life. This article presents data on the burden of COPD obtained from the BREATHE study in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. This study was a large general population survey of COPD conducted in eleven countries of the region using a standardised methodology. A total of 62,086 subjects were screened, of whom 2,187 fulfilled the "epidemiological" definition of COPD. Data on symptoms, perceived disease severity, impact on work, limitations in activities and psychological distress were collected. 1,392 subjects were analysable of whom 661 (47.5%) reported experiencing an exacerbation of their respiratory condition, 49.4% reported comorbidities and 5.5% reported severe breathlessness as measured with the MRC breathlessness questionnaire. The degree of breathlessness, as well as the perceived severity, was correlated with the overall disease impact as measured with the COPD Assessment Test (p < 0.001). 374 subjects (28.4%) reported that their respiratory condition prevented them from working and this proportion rose to 47.8% in subjects who perceived their respiratory condition as severe. 47.9% of subjects reported difficulties in normal physical exertion, 37.5% in social activities and 31.7% in family activities. Psychological distress was reported by between 42.3% and 53.2% of subjects, depending on the item. In conclusion, the burden of COPD is important, and covers central aspects of daily life. For this reason, physicians should take time to discuss it with their patients, and ensure that the management strategy proposed addresses all their needs. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Infomine Research Middle East; MS Health; Nielsen; Omega CROThe BREATHE Study Group would like to thank Selen Atabay and Levent Yildiz for their support throughout the study, Wisco Kajingu (MS Health, Rabat, Morocco) for his contribution to the data analysis, all the participating Contract Research Organisations (Infomine Research Middle East, MS Health, Nielsen and Omega CRO) and finally all GlaxoSmithKline affiliates and personnel involved in the study