As technology advances, the educational landscape continually evolves to integrate innovative technologies into teaching and learning strategies. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology with potential for inclusion in educational systems. This dissertation delves into the role of AR in education, structured around three connected studies, each expanding on the insights of the one before. This first study was an exploratory study and focused on evaluating the acceptance and intended use of AR technology by teacher candidates. This study provided an introductory understanding of the participants' opinions on AR as a supplementary educational tool. Built upon the first study, the second study examined teacher candidates' experiences with AR by conducting semi-structured interviews, exploring a more in-depth understanding of their beliefs, and seeking potential technological, pedagogical, and logistic gaps in AR's adaptation in educational settings. The third, and the final study of this series, extends AR's investigation to understand its benefits, challenges, and barriers associated with classroom integration in more detail through the lens of pre-service teachers. Altogether, these studies provide a comprehensive investigation of teacher candidates' acceptance of AR as a potential educational tool, its potential benefits, and impending challenges related to its classroom integration. The findings concluded that while the value of AR in education is clear and evident, the lack of perceived ease of use by the teacher candidates might deter its widespread acceptance. Also, the teachers' perceptions and opinions are just one component of a wider educational ecosystem. Broader issues such as school district directives, decisions of policymakers, sources of funding, the availability of training, and overarching socio-economic circumstances play crucial factors in the integration of AR in the classroom. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]