Introducing Joy’s HTL Model for Building Digital Literacy

Did you know that 40% of businesses struggle with digital transformation because their teams lack the necessary digital skills? Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, or someone simply trying to keep up in this fast-paced digital world, mastering new technologies is essential for success. Digital skills are imperative if you want to get ahead in the technology age.

I personally remember a time when I was given an opportunity to support a US non-profit organisation and the only project they had available was a Google Ads campaign. What used to be expertise skills is now a requisite for general admin and operation roles. Learning this new digital tool completely changed how I approached my work and also increased my portfolio of services. It wasn’t easy at first, but once I got the hang of it, it unlocked a whole new level of productivity and efficiency. Inspired by that experience and many others, I’ve developed a simple framework to help others build digital literacy and keep up with the ever-changing tech landscape.

Introducing the HTL Model: How to Learn

This framework is designed to guide you through the process of mastering digital skills using 5Hs, 5Ts, and 5Ls—key steps that will help you stay relevant and lead in the digital age.

Part 1: The 5Hs – Build a Foundation for Digital Growth

1. Hunger:
   Stay curious and always be on the lookout for new things to learn. With platforms like Zoom releasing over 54 updates since February 2024 and Canva introducing 30+ new features in just a quarter, it’s clear that staying up-to-date requires a constant thirst for knowledge. Where do you get inspired?

2. Habits:
   Create a daily routine around learning new tools. Even 15 minutes a day spent exploring a new app or feature can add up to significant progress over time.

3. Hands-On:
   You don’t truly learn a tool until you’ve used it. Dive in and get practical experience—practice is key to mastering new tech.

4. Help:
   Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek out resources. Whether it’s watching a quick tutorial on YouTube or asking a colleague, there’s always someone or something that can guide you.

5. Humility:
   Accept that you won’t know everything. Stay humble, be open to feedback, and always be willing to learn from others.

Part 2: The 5Ts – Sharpen Your Tech Skills

1. Teach:
   One of the best ways to reinforce your learning is by teaching others. Explaining how a tool works to someone else can deepen your understanding.

2. Test:
   Regularly challenge yourself to assess your knowledge. Set small goals to see if you’re really mastering a tool, whether that means completing a project or solving a problem using the tech.

3. Time:
   Schedule time specifically for learning. Just like anything else, consistency is key—so make sure to block out timefor tech skill-building.

4. Tweak:
   If one learning method isn’t working, adjust it. Some people learn best through videos, others through hands-on practice—find what works for you.

5. Trust:
   Trust the process and be patient with yourself. Learning takes time, but with effort, you will see progress.