Two Idaho universities have received grants totaling $5.6 million to help the next generation of teachers improve students achievement through technology.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation has award $4.6 million to Northwest Nazarene University. That could expand to $5.6 million over three years.

University of Idaho received $989,000. That could increase to more than $3 million in three years.

The grants will help underwrite teaching methods that use technology in classroom instruction.

“Students at all grade levels desperately need teachers who not only don’t fear technology but embrace it to help students adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” said Jamie MacMillan, a member of the Albertson family and the foundation's executive director.

Learning centers at both campuses are expected to open in 2013.

“The research findings we anticipate as a result of this partnership will enable teachers and students to make the best choices in how we, as a state and nation, embrace technology in the classroom well into the 21st century,” said Duane Nellis, president of the University of Idaho.

The center's work at Northwest Nazarene University is "not about finding one solution that fits all, but finding many solutions that can be used at the right time for the right student," said Paula Kellerer , dean of the School of Education, Social Work and Counseling.