Personalized learning and how higher education can be unbundled for better instead of worse

Higher education continues to be highlighted for the stresses it is exhibiting under increasing pressures such as globalization, student diversity, information technology, and reduced public funding. Under these stresses, some have identified personalization and the unbundling of the university as either the saviors or the doom of higher education. This paper posits that a middle ground that establishes personalized learning and the unbundling of curriculum for increased transparency, relevance, and effective learning and builds off established learning and instructional theory and stated values is possible. It further discusses the role of such technologies as digital badges and artificial intelligence in supporting the adoption of such principles in higher education.