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Clearfield • Seniors used to whip out a photo album to show off their newest grandchild to friends. Now they're turning to their iPhones and iPads to share pictures of the bundle of joy they plan to spoil.
But new technology can be daunting. That's where Josh Pulsipher comes in.
He holds a free technology lab on Fridays at the North Davis Senior Activity Center where he teaches 60- and 70-somethings about apps, Facebook and Twitter, surfing the Net and downloading photos from cellphones.
And this old hand at new technology isn't even old enough to drive.
The 15-year-old tech guru said the tutoring is geared to "whatever they ask for help with."
Leisa Hall came to the lab on Friday because she wanted to apply for a job as a substitute crossing guard. Her young grandchildren showed her how to log onto a computer, but she got stuck when it came to accessing the online application for the position.
Hall also wanted to hone her computer skills because her son and his girlfriend are getting her a laptop.
"I don't know where to begin," said Hall, who, at 57, is not considered a senior but qualified to attend the lab because her husband is over 60.
With Josh's guidance, Hall was able to get to the application.
"More people need to come here," she said.
A Scout leader who heard that the senior center was looking for a computer-savvy tutor recommended Josh for the job, which began last month and comes with a stipend.
The teen, a Syracuse resident who will begin 10th grade this fall at Clearfield High School, is mostly self-taught and hasn't been stumped by a question so far. Many of the questions involve tablets that seniors get from their children or grandchildren, he said.
Cindy Nielsen, manager of the North Davis center, said many seniors are using computers to stay in touch with children and grandchildren who are scattered around the country.
"Some totally shy away and others are embracing it," Nielsen said.
Sam Burton has jumped into the computer age. The 70-year-old school bus driver, who uses his tablet to bid on jobs driving groups on field trips and has created a Facebook account, had Josh walk him through the steps on Friday to get all his photos in one folder.
And he wants to keep increasing his skills.
"It was real helpful," Burton said. "I'll probably come back."
Twitter: @ PamelaMansonSLC —
Tips on technology
P The North Davis Senior Activity Center, 42 S. State St. in Clearfield, offers a free technology lab for those who are 60 or older on Fridays at 10 a.m. through Aug. 23. The seniors can get one-on-one help from 15-year-old Josh Pulsipher with tablets, laptops, iPods, cellphones, email, Twitter and Facebook accounts, apps and other technology and social media.