Teachers’ Perceptions of Augmented Reality in Education: Between Pedagogical Potential and Technological Readiness

This study sought to investigate the perceptions of teachers from the Porto Metropolitan Area regarding the use of augmented reality (AR) in primary and secondary education. Drawing on a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational research design, data were collected through a validated questionnaire adapted to the Portuguese context and administered to 116 teachers across different curricular subjects of primary and secondary education. The findings reveal overall positive perceptions of AR’s educational potential, particularly in its capacity to enhance teaching strategies and student engagement. Teachers with prior AR training and more frequent use of AR reported significantly higher levels of perceived benefit across dimensions such as teaching, learning, and inclusive practices. Notably, teachers’ perceptions of their own technological competence were lower, suggesting a gap between pedagogical appreciation and technical readiness. No significant differences were observed with respect to gender, age, or academic qualifications. This study highlights the importance of continuous training and professional development focused on both technical and pedagogical aspects to support the effective integration of AR into classrooms. These findings underscore the need for educational policies that promote equitable access to training, resources, and opportunities to experiment with AR, thereby fostering more inclusive and innovative learning environments.