Name of the tool: Penzu

URL of the tool: penzu.com

Primary category of the tool: Communication tool

Description of the tool: The name penzu is derived from the Latin word pensare which means to think or be full of thought. This web 2.0 tool is utilized by people in over 170 different countries worldwide. It was created by a small Canadian company in 2008. Penzu serves as a free and secure online personal journal. Entries are private by default. However, individuals may share their thoughts via email or a public link if they choose to do so. Entries are autosaved as one types and can be accessed anywhere. Photos can be inserted into journal entries using flickr. Individuals with Penzu accounts can also comment on shared and public entries. For approximately $19 US dollars, journal entries can be protected with military grade 256-bit AES encryption. Individuals who pay for the Penzu Pro Plan can also customize journal backgrounds and text as well as export entries to multiple formats. There is also an option to have email reminders sent to users to remind them to journal. Penzu Mobile (which is currently under construction) will allow Pro Plan users to access entries from smartphones and/or iPads.

Skills needed before using the tool: Ability to understand and follow directions

Resources needed before using the tool: Access to the Internet

Basic steps to use the tool:
· Go to www.penzu.com
· Click free sign-up
· Start typing!

Example using the tool:
Screenshot of food diary using penzu.com

Scenario of use of tool in the teaching environment: I plan to utilize these tools in patient education. Adolescent patients struggling with obesity will be instructed to keep daily food and exercise diaries on penzu.com. Studies have shown that individuals who keep track of what they eat tend to decrease their intake and subsequently lose weight.

Advantages of tool in teaching environment: Learners will have a reliable place to record their daily caloric intake and have the opportunity to review how their weight loss over the course of time is reflected through changes they made to their diets and/or exercise regimens. Physicians and dietitians can review their diaries and make appropriate recommendations while providing encouragement to patients. Patients can access their penzu account from any computer with internet connection.

Disadvantages of tool in teaching environment: Learners have the choice not to disclose food and exercise diaries with clinicians.