Cybertraps Podcast

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School Districts Struggling to Cope with Rise of Social Media Threats Cybertraps 96 Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

New substack: subscribe here. https://cybertraps.substack.com - Show Notes - Social media and digital communication threats are a rising problem - Every threat has to be taken seriously - Incredibly disruptive - Warning notices to parents – upsetting - Lockdowns - School closures / switch to remote learning - Myriad vectors - Email - Text messages - Social media apps - Snapchat - TikTok - Instagram - WhatsApp - Facebook - What Can Schools Do to Address the Problem? - Short-Term - Incident response plan - Assessment of severity of threat (err on side of caution) - Notification to the school community - Cooperation with law enforcement to identify source - Every incident is a teachable moment - Spiderman – “With great power comes great responsibility” - Long-Term - Role of parents - Cybersecurity measures - Monitoring of social media - Balancing resources and student privacy - Creating a culture of awareness among students and staff - Reluctance to get involved? - Concern about being a “snitch” - Relationship with law enforcement, including FBI - Investigations - Selfie-incrimination - Mistaken belief in anonymity - Digital investigations - Computer forensics - Penalties are serious - Resources - #2021–11–12 Photos from Oregon students’ social media pages taken, uploaded on site with ‘highly inappropriate content,’ district says “https://www.channel3000.com/photos-from-oregon-students-social-media-pages-taken-uploaded-on-site-with-highly-inappropriate-content-district-says/” - #2021–11–12 Ossining High School switches to full remote learning following social media threat “https://bronx.news12.com/ossining-high-school-switches-to-full-remote-learning-following-social-media-threat” - #2021–11–11 Hopewell superintendent addresses next steps after guns found in schools, social media threat “https://www.nbc12.com/2021/11/11/hopewell-superintendent-addresses-next-steps-after-guns-found-schools-social-media-threat/” - #2021–11–11 Maine East High School student facing charges for alleged threats, ‘hateful’ comments on social media “https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/ct-prh-social-media-threats-tl–1118–20211111–7wwpot6yofc3hkpobh7mdytvcu-story.html” - #2021–11–10 Helena schools, police prepared as social media threats target schools across the country “https://www.ktvh.com/news/helena-schools-police-prepared-as-social-media-threats-target-schools-across-the-country” - #2021–11–10 1 person arrested after social media threat made against Braden River High School “https://www.mysuncoast.com/2021/11/10/1-person-arrested-after-social-media-threat-made-against-braden-river-high-school/” - #2021–11–03 Parents Panic over unfounded social media rumor of planned Florence school shooting “https://wpde.com/news/local/parents-panic-over-unfounded-social-media-rumor-of-planned-florence-school-shooting” - #2021–11–01 Sheriff: No threat to schools from vague social media post “https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/sheriff-no-threat-to-schools-from-vague-social-media-post” - #2021–10–29 Social media trend leads to threats made at NorCal schools “https://www.kcra.com/article/norcal-schools-social-media-trend-threats-made/38099339” - #2021–10–25 Nationwide social media threat warning of school shootings hit several CNY districts; police say it’s not credible “https://www.syracuse.com/schools/2021/10/nationwide-social-media-threat-warning-of-school-shootings-hit-several-cny-districts-police-say-its-not-credible.html” - #2021–10–27 3 Savannah GA schools locked down after social media threat “https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2021/10/27/savannah-chatham-georgia-schools-lockdown-social-media-threat/8564651002/” - #2021–10–18 Four students at Peachtree Ridge High School facing charges after threatening social media posts “cbs46.com](https://www.cbs46.com/news/four-students-at-peachtree-ridge-high-school-facing-charges-after-threatening-social-media-posts/article_24336e66–3033–11ec-aede–97973c7b12ee.html” - #2021–11–01 Deputies: Juvenile responsible for social media threats against Colleton Co. schools taken into custody “https://www.live5news.com/2021/11/01/2-colleton-county-schools-lockdown-after-weekend-threat-social-media/”

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

Benefits of Clearinghouse with Nancy Pugliese Cybertraps 95 Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Small community of states with a small focus.
Clearinghouse benefits
No automatic suspension in Connecticut
Oklahoma
How teachers are responding to technology generationally.
Teachers rely on technology more.
Teachers are always a role model.
Coaches and boundaries
Still lots of learning that needs to be done.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

It's 10 pm, Do You Know What App Your Student is Using? Cybertraps 94 Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, we are sharing Fred’s presentation at PPI in Oklahoma City.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Equipping Teachers with Tools with Scott Gordon Cybertraps 93 Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

General Counsel for State Department of Education

Authority to prosecute licensed personnel.
Educational professional has to bring complaints against others.
Teachers are connecting more and more online.
Sometimes teachers are just four years older than the students they could be teaching.
How to help those adults that don’t know what’s going on.
Why not equip schools with tools to manage what’s happening?
We’re getting better at investigating and knowing about issues.
I wish there had been training on this?
How to reduce harm? Increase training. Licensing requirement to have training. Ethics training, assessment, and continuing education.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

The Cybertraps Podcast Gift Giving Guide LIVE 092 Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes The power of experience for adults in teaching - The holidays are rushing towards us - Welcome to the Debby Downer holiday gift review! - It may be a challenging shopping season - Still significant post-pandemic supply chain issues - What are the hot tech toys for 2021? - Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet - The latest and greatest kid-centric Amazon Fire gives kids more freedom to explore via a digital store where kids can request apps (pending parental approval). They can also make video and voice calls and play all their favorite age-appropriate games. - Google Stadia - Stadia is a blast. Let’s start there. Once you’re set up, having the ability to play anywhere you want, is pretty great. The games are fun, well-rendered, hook you quickly, and we had really good experiences in terms of resolution on our TV and frankly our Chrome browser too. The entire set up for Google Stadia is $99 — and that includes one month free access to games, with pricing $9.99 a month after that. This is a fun option for families (especially parents) particularly as a budget entertainment option at home — and a great treat for the holidays. - Nintendo Switch - Nearly every child (and many adults!) have the Nintendo Switch on their holiday list. This on-the-go-slash-household device is great for keeping kids entertained with family-friendly games and also makes for a fun family game night. It’s also one of the tech gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself. - Osmo Math Wizard & the Magical Workshop - Osmo Math Wizard & the Magical Workshop makes learning fun and interactive, providing a smart way to use screen time. While Osmo offers a range of programming for all ages, this one in particular caters to those six to eight, teaching addition and subtraction via hands-on play. In order to use it, an Osmo Base for iPad or Fire Tablet and an iPad or Fire Tablet are required. - Play.date - Handheld game console with a crank designed by a software company called Panic - What are factors that parents should consider? - Should you opt out of the shopping splurge altogether? - Used or refurbished? - Experiences instead of things? Family outings or trips? - Subscription boxes? - Remarkably few safety guides at this time of year - Take the time research any toys that you are considering purchasing - What types of connectivity does the toy have? - What can your child do online with the toy? - Who can they communicate with - What data might be or is collected from your child? - Check out our earlier podcast, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) “https://www.cybertraps.com/2021/09/21/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act-coppa-cybertraps–78/” - Is your child ready for a more advanced tech toy or gadget? - Pay attention to age ratings - Err on the side of waiting - How much screen time has your child had over the past year+? Is more a good idea? - Have you discussed rules regarding the use of new toys or gadgets with your spouse? Are you ready to discuss those rules (and enforce) them with your child? - Consider toys that are interactive, emphasize physical skills, and family interaction - Tech gifts and gaming devices can certainly be a family activity, if you are actually interacting while you play - There are no supply chain issues for your time and interaction with your child - Resources - #2021–11–07 How to Buy Nothing New This Holiday Gifting Season “https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/07/opinion/culture/holiday-gift-shopping-secondhand.html” - #2021–11–05 59 Best Gifts for Kids 2021 “https://www.rd.com/list/gifts-for-kids/” - #2021–11–04 Here are the hottest toys of the 2021 holiday season, according to Amazon “https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/amazon-hottest-toys-holiday-season–2021/” - #2021–11–03 PARENTS Names The Best Toys Of 2021 “https://finance.yahoo.com/news/parents-names-best-toys–2021–142600120.html” - #2021–10–25 The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids “https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-subscription-boxes-for-kids” - #2021–10–20 The Ultimate Holiday Tech Gift Guide for Parents 2021 “https://www.gearbrain.com/high-tech-gifts-guide-parents–2493419810.html” - #2021–10–15 The Hottest Tech Toys for Kids “https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-hottest-tech-toys-for-kids” - #2021–09–23 These Are the Hottest Toys for the Holidays, According to The Toy Insider “https://tinybeans.com/toy-insider-hot-toys/”

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

The Ethical Educator with Taylor Pipkin and Craig King Cybertraps 91 Nov 04, 2021

Show notes

Live from PPI in Oklahoma City we are talking to Craig King and Taylor Pipkin from South Carolina, Palmetto State Teachers Association.

How my mom taught me about ethics
the role of social media in indiscretion.
The difference between being a teacher association representative vs investigators
Investigators are not out to get people, they’re not bad people.
Green construction paper non-instructional routine
Teachers need to be trained on decision making
Assess the risk
All about having those conversations.
Responding to the specific way things are presented.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Should We Ban Cell Phones in Schools Cybertraps Live 90 Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

Raising Cyberethical Kids: Audio Course and Ebook - News Item: In June 2021, UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson suggested banning mobile phones in schools - He argued that a ban would help students “remain calm” and overcome the effects of the pandemic - Some schools expressed opposition, saying individual schools and districts should establish their own policies without government mandate - Williamson seen as strong opponent of mobile phones in school, pointing to cyberbullying, sexting, and abuse of girls. - Officials acknowledged that an in-school ban would do little to prevent harm occurring outside of school - [Note: Williamson subsequently lost his position during a cabinet re-shuffle in September 2021] - Several countries have limits on in-school mobile use, including: - Afghanistan - Australia - China - France - Reframe the Discussion? - Educators should not view these devices as mere “phones” or communication tools - Instead, they should be recognized as powerful pocket computers and integrated into education accordingly - “A plan, not a ban” - Input from students and parents - Negative Effects of Phones - Full extent of potential problems still being analyzed - 2013 study - students not using cellphones: - wrote an average of 62 percent more in their notes - wrote more detailed notes - recalled more detailed information - scored one-and-a-half letter-grades higher on assessments - students with digital devices: - engage in more off-task behavior - have more concentration and focus issues - have a higher incidence of physical and mental health issues. - 2015 study - banning mobile phones led to an increase in test scores by an average of 6.4% - “This is equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an additional hour a week.” - Greater benefits (2x) for low-performing students - Similar results from studies in Spain and Norway - Excessive use can lead to multiple harms, including: - anxiety and depression - neglecting other activities - conflict with peers or parents - poor sleep habits (sleep deprivation and sleep texting) - increased exposure to cyberbullying - poor decision making - physical harms, including posture, repetitive stress syndrome, vision, etc. - learning disabilities - FOMO or cyberchondria(?) - emotional dysregulation - decline in conversation skills - Positive Uses of Smartphones - keep track of homework - setting up other reminders - looking up facts and formulas - taking photos, videos, or audio of lessons or confusing topics - note-taking - accessing education apps - Impact on the classroom environment and school community - mobile devices change dynamic between educator and student - can be used to record and report educator misconduct - can also be used to harass or embarrass educators - Are mobile devices (and other digital tools) changing the way students learn? - Suggestions on mitigating negative impacts of mobile devices - More sleep - More playtime (especially outdoors) - Less time on digital media - Read more books - Develop a regular writing habit - Resources - #2021–10–30 David Lammy: Ban smartphone use in schools https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/david-lammy/david-lammy-ban-smartphone-use-in-schools/ - #2021–08–16 Plan to ban phones from classrooms is out of touch, say UK school leaders https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/aug/16/plan-to-ban-phones-from-classrooms-is-out-of-touch-say-uk-school-leaders - #2021–06–28 Education secretary wants ban on mobile phones in English schools https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jun/29/education-secretary-wants-ban-on-mobile-phones-in-english-schools - #2021–05–10 Smartphones are powerful personal pocket computers – should schools ban them? https://theconversation.com/smartphones-are-powerful-personal-pocket-computers-should-schools-ban-them–159826 - #2021–03–21 Banning mobile phones in schools can improve students’ academic performance. This is how we know https://theconversation.com/banning-mobile-phones-in-schools-can-improve-students-academic-performance-this-is-how-we-know–153792 - #2021–02–21 Curse or necessity? Schools grapple with whether students should be allowed smartphones https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/300233731/curse-or-necessity-schools-grapple-with-whether-students-should-be-allowed-smartphones - #2021–02–02 China bans children from using mobile phones at school https://www.bbc.com/news/technology–55902778 - #2021–01–14 Digital teaching and learning in the smartphone era https://www.eschoolnews.com/2021/01/14/digital-teaching-and-learning-smartphone/ - #2020–06–02 Why Principals Worry About How Mobile Devices Affect Students’ Social Skills, Attention Spans https://www.edweek.org/technology/why-principals-worry-about-how-mobile-devices-affect-students-social-skills-attention-spans/2020/06 - #2020–01–21 Six ways smartphones enhance learning https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/share/2020/01/21/six-ways-smartphones-enhance-learning/4492982002/ - #2019–06–21 Are Students Spending Too Much Time on Mobile Devices During Class? Yes, Educators Say https://www.edweek.org/leadership/are-students-spending-too-much-time-on-mobile-devices-during-class-yes-educators-say/2019/06 - #2019–05–14 How should teachers manage smartphone distractions in the classroom? https://edscoop.com/how-should-teachers-manage-smartphones-distractions-in-the-classroom/ - #2019–02–27 ‘Students Are Using Mobile Even If You Aren’t’ https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2019/02/27/mobile-devices-transform-classroom-experiences-and - #2018–09–21 Schools are banning smartphones. Here’s an argument for why they shouldn’t — and what they should do instead. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/09/21/schools-are-banning-smartphones-heres-an-argument-why-they-shouldnt-what-they-should-do-instead/ - #2018–09–20 France Bans Smartphones in Schools Through 9th Grade. Will It Help Students? https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/world/europe/france-smartphones-schools.html - #2018–08–14 Ce...

Careful Investigations with Catherine Slagle Cybertraps 89 Oct 28, 2021

Show notes

Catherine Slagle is the director of Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Office of Professional Practice in the state of Washington.

Worked in prisons and then in professional practices of State Superintendent office.
Didn’t have anything in code of conduct relating to social media.
Finding out culture of the school.
Letter of concern vs. Letter of reprimand.
District reluctance to report teachers to state.
Superintendent
Teachers need specific training around ethics in teacher preparation programs.
Be friendly to a certain point, but not their friends.
Talk with people who aren’t doing something right.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Will Your Costume Cost You Your Career? Cybertraps 88 Halloween Edition Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes

Two articles on Cybertraps.com
- Halloween Costumes Result in the Suspension of 14 Idaho Educators https://www.cybertraps.com/2018/11/04/halloween-costumes-result-in-the-suspension-of–14-idaho-educators/
- What Do Pokémon Balls, Pumpkins, and Death Stars Have in Common? Just Google “Baby Bump Costumes”! https://www.cybertraps.com/2016/10/18/what-do-pokemon-balls-pumpkins-and-death-stars-have-in-common-just-google-baby-bump-costumes/
When did Halloween become such a big deal?
- Blame the 1980s
First Amendment – Is dressing up a form of speech?
- Yes, but same analysis as other types of speech
Educators Are Role Models
The Role of Social Media
- All it takes is one photo
- How well do you know your friends
Potentially Problematic Costumes
- Political commentary
- Overly sexualized
- Cultural appropriation
- Mocking specific groups or an individual
- Making fun of a tragedy
Considerations for Administrators
- Halloween celebrations and costume parades can put pressure on disadvantaged families
- Costumes can create division in the school community
- Impact on the repu
- Students may feel marginalized or attacked
Resources - #2021–10–19 Native American Chief, Anne Frank, And 15 Other Costumes You Should Absolutely Steer Clear Of On Halloween https://www.buzzfeed.com/simrinsingh/problematic-halloween-costumes - #2021–05–29 London principal removed from position after backlash over wearing student’s dreadlocks https://globalnews.ca/news/7905066/london-ont-principal-removed-wearing-dreadlocks/ - #2020–10–31 Two Syracuse school employees put on leave for racist Halloween costumes https://cnycentral.com/news/local/two-syracuse-school-employees-put-on-leave-for-racist-halloween-costumes - #2020–10–30 Political costume nixed at Okay Elementary https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/schools/political-costume-nixed-at-okay-elementary/article_f55fe23e–8e76–5822-a2db-d79d49825e0c.html - #2019–11–07 Milpitas blackface teacher admits he made ‘horrible mistake’ https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/11/07/milpitas-blackface-teacher-admits-he-made-horrible-mistake/ - #2019–11–05 A teacher wore blackface to school while dressing up as Common. He’s been suspended. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/11/05/teacher-wore-blackface-school-while-dressing-up-common-hes-been-suspended/ - #2019–11–02 Halloween Costumes and a Facebook Post Upset NHUHSD Community https://kymkemp.com/2019/11/02/halloween-costumes-and-a-facebook-post-upset-nhuhsd-community/ - #2019–05–24 Southern California teachers under fire for dressing up in sombreros and mustaches for yearbook photos https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/05/24/southern-california-teachers-under-fire-dressing-up-sombreros-mustaches-yearbook-photos/ - #2019–03–19 Lingering anger over teacher’s Trump-hat Halloween costume fuels racial tensions at top Newark high school https://newark.chalkbeat.org/2019/3/19/21107175/lingering-anger-over-teacher-s-trump-hat-halloween-costume-fuels-racial-tensions-at-top-newark-high - #2019–02–01 Teacher who wore blackface for Bob Marley Halloween costume may get fired https://www.yahoo.com/now/teacher-wore-blackface-bob-marley-halloween-costume-may-get-fired–191526845.html - #2018–10–26 Why has Halloween become so popular among adults? https://theconversation.com/why-has-halloween-become-so-popular-among-adults–104896 - #2018–10–25 Iowa teacher under investigation after wearing blackface to Halloween party https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/413188-iowa-teacher-under-investigation-after-wearing-blackface-to - #2016–11–04 Seattle high school teacher suspended for controversial Halloween costume https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/seattle-high-school-teacher-suspended-for-controversial-halloween-costume/463887455/ - #2014–10–29 In Classrooms, Halloween Costumes Can Raise Sensitive Issues https://www.edweek.org/leadership/in-classrooms-halloween-costumes-can-raise-sensitive-issues/2014/10 - #2014–10–21 10 Days until Halloween: Step Away from the “Indian” Costume https://nativeappropriations.com/2014/10/10-days-until-halloween-step-away-from-the-indian-costume.html

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Youth Protection Decision-Making with Dr. Joaquina Kankam Cybertraps 87 Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

Not only is Dr. Joaquina Kankam an expert in youth protection compliance and risk management, but her practical experience has made her a leader in understanding the needs of youth serving organizations. In addition to being an educator (K–12 & Higher Education), Joaquina has presented at several national association conferences and participated as a panelist in several discussions regarding youth.

The Importance of Senior Leadership’s Involvement in Youth Protection Decision-Making.

CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, 1974)
Children youth-service organizations.
Background checks and mandatory reporting training
Sexual abuse or other harm?
Audit systems to ensure organizations are helpful in preventing harm to kids.
We do only what we know how to do.
Our procedures are good enough, we’ve talked with the attorneys and they approved them.
Protecting image of university
Loudon County, VA school board member resigns
We don’t differentiate in adult professional development
Start with a good understanding of what the law is.
How to teach schools to do this work correctly.
It’s too much to put on my plate.
how to be a transformative principal? If sometihng bothers you, don’t let it go. Fix it!

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

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