Seale Chapter 12 - Activity Theory

I'm trying to formulate a definition of Activity Theory as I work through Seale chapter 12 ... It's a new theory for me and I'm finding Seale's language a bit flowery for my liking and getting myself confused. In 'Gemma-speak' here is my understanding of Activity Theory and an example of it's application in the context of the ECA. As I understand it:

The subject : The student writing the ECA
The object: To write a 6000 word essay
The tools: Word processor, set text, internet research and online journals (and perhaps even a pen, paper, highlighters and post-it notes if you are old school!)

The activity of writing the ECA can be broken down into different levels called actions and operations. Objects become outcomes as they are completed. One such action may be to read the set text, an operation of reading the set text might be turning the pages (that's if you have it printed out, or clicking next/scrolling down if you are using the digital version).

A central concept of activity theory is the transformation of objects into outcomes. In this example the outcome will be a completed ECA. Activity is motivated by the need to transform the object into an outcome (completion of the ECA by the cut-off date).

An activity is not a fixed entity and will undergo development at various levels (actions and operations) creating a history. For example, the action of reading one article might lead to new ideas for the ECA which require further research (new actions and operations) to be carried out in order to complete the ECA (transforming the object into an outcome). *

Theorists view activities as a series of nodes. If the subject is taking part in several activities at the same time these nodes may overlap causing conflict. For the ECA where we are required to investigate three separate issues, one issue may directly contradict with another. Resolution of these conflicts is required to transform the object (complete the ECA with a suitable conclusion).

*I missed out a part about Mediation ... I couldn't quite grasp where these relationships fitted in but I will update as I figure it out!!!