Use Case: How a School District Deployed 5,000 iPads with Apple School Manager and Jamf School

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Introduction: Transforming Education Through Technology

The deployment of iPads in educational environments has revolutionized how students learn and teachers instruct. This comprehensive use case examines how a large school district successfully deployed 5,000 iPads across 25 schools, leveraging Apple School Manager and Jamf School to create a seamless, secure, and educationally focused mobile learning environment.

This implementation demonstrates the critical importance of proper planning, device management, and educational integration when deploying large-scale iPad initiatives in K-12 environments.

iPad Education Deployment

District Overview and Requirements

Educational Environment

District Profile:

  • Student Population: 12,000 students across grades K-12
  • Schools: 25 schools (15 elementary, 7 middle, 3 high schools)
  • Teachers and Staff: 800 educators and 200 support staff
  • Existing Technology: Mixed Windows laptops and Chromebooks
  • Network Infrastructure: Fiber backbone with WiFi 6 in all buildings

Educational Objectives:

  • 1:1 Computing: Provide every student with a dedicated learning device
  • Digital Literacy: Enhance student digital skills and creativity
  • Accessibility: Support students with diverse learning needs
  • Teacher Empowerment: Provide tools for innovative instruction
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Enable analytics for educational improvement

Technical Requirements

Device Management Needs:

  • Zero-Touch Deployment: Automated device setup and configuration
  • App Management: Centralized app distribution and licensing
  • Content Filtering: Age-appropriate internet access controls
  • Classroom Management: Teacher tools for device control during instruction
  • Security and Privacy: COPPA and FERPA compliance requirements

Educational Integration:

  • Curriculum Alignment: Apps and content aligned with state standards
  • Assessment Tools: Digital assessment and portfolio capabilities
  • Collaboration Platforms: Student and teacher collaboration tools
  • Creative Applications: Tools for multimedia content creation
  • Accessibility Features: Support for students with disabilities

Apple School Manager Configuration

Initial Setup and Organization

Account Structure Design:

# Apple School Manager Organization Structure
Organization: Riverside School District
├── Elementary Schools (15)
│   ├── Lincoln Elementary
│   ├── Washington Elementary
│   └── [13 additional schools]
├── Middle Schools (7)
│   ├── Roosevelt Middle School
│   ├── Jefferson Middle School
│   └── [5 additional schools]
└── High Schools (3)
    ├── Riverside High School
    ├── Central High School
    └── North High School

# Location Structure per School
School Example: Lincoln Elementary
├── Classrooms
│   ├── Grade K (4 classrooms)
│   ├── Grade 1 (4 classrooms)
│   ├── Grade 2 (4 classrooms)
│   ├── Grade 3 (3 classrooms)
│   ├── Grade 4 (3 classrooms)
│   └── Grade 5 (3 classrooms)
├── Shared Spaces
│   ├── Library
│   ├── Computer Lab
│   ├── Art Room
│   └── Music Room
└── Administrative
    ├── Principal Office
    ├── Nurse Office
    └── Teacher Lounge

Device Assignment Strategy:

Grade Level Device Model Storage Accessories Deployment Model
K-2 iPad (9th gen) 64GB Rugged case, stylus Shared carts
3-5 iPad (9th gen) 64GB Keyboard case, stylus 1:1 assigned
6-8 iPad Air 64GB Keyboard case, Apple Pencil 1:1 assigned
9-12 iPad Air 256GB Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil 1:1 assigned

Student and Staff Account Management

Managed Apple ID Creation:

# PowerShell script for bulk Managed Apple ID creation
# This script processes student information system (SIS) data

param(
    [string]$SISExportPath = "C:DeploymentSIS_Export.csv",
    [string]$ASMImportPath = "C:DeploymentASM_Import.csv"
)

# Read SIS data
$Students = Import-Csv $SISExportPath

$ASMData = @()

foreach ($Student in $Students) {
    # Generate Managed Apple ID
    $ManagedAppleID = "$($Student.StudentID)@students.riverside.edu"
    
    # Determine grade level and location
    $Grade = $Student.Grade
    $School = $Student.School
    $Teacher = $Student.HomeRoomTeacher
    
    # Create ASM import record
    $ASMRecord = [PSCustomObject]@{
        'Person ID' = $Student.StudentID
        'Person Number' = $Student.StudentID
        'First Name' = $Student.FirstName
        'Last Name' = $Student.LastName
        'Middle Name' = $Student.MiddleName
        'Grade' = $Grade
        'Email Address' = $ManagedAppleID
        'Location' = $School
        'Class' = "$School - Grade $Grade - $Teacher"
        'Password' = "TempPass$(Get-Random -Minimum 1000 -Maximum 9999)"
    }
    
    $ASMData += $ASMRecord
}

# Export for Apple School Manager import
$ASMData | Export-Csv $ASMImportPath -NoTypeInformation

Write-Host "Created $($ASMData.Count) Managed Apple ID records for import"
Write-Host "Import file saved to: $ASMImportPath"

Class and Roster Management:

# Class structure configuration for Apple School Manager
# Classes are organized by grade level and subject area

# Elementary Classes (K-5)
Class Structure:
- Grade K - Mrs. Johnson - Room 101
- Grade K - Mr. Smith - Room 102
- Grade 1 - Ms. Davis - Room 201
- Grade 1 - Mrs. Wilson - Room 202
[Continue for all grade levels]

# Middle School Classes (6-8)
Subject-Based Classes:
- 6th Grade Math - Mr. Anderson - Room 301
- 6th Grade Science - Ms. Rodriguez - Room 302
- 6th Grade English - Mrs. Thompson - Room 303
- 6th Grade Social Studies - Mr. Brown - Room 304
[Continue for all subjects and grades]

# High School Classes (9-12)
Period-Based Classes:
- Period 1 - AP Biology - Dr. Martinez - Lab 401
- Period 2 - Algebra II - Ms. Chen - Room 402
- Period 3 - World History - Mr. Jackson - Room 403
[Continue for all periods and subjects]

Jamf School Implementation

Initial Configuration and Setup

Jamf School Tenant Configuration:

# Jamf School API configuration script
$JamfSchoolURL = "https://riverside.jamfschool.com"
$APIKey = "your-api-key"

$Headers = @{
    "Authorization" = "Bearer $APIKey"
    "Content-Type" = "application/json"
}

# Configure organization settings
$OrgSettings = @{
    name = "Riverside School District"
    timeZone = "America/New_York"
    locale = "en_US"
    enableStudentMode = $true
    enableTeacherMode = $true
    enableParentMode = $false
    defaultLanguage = "en"
}

$OrgUri = "$JamfSchoolURL/api/organization"
Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $OrgUri -Method PUT -Headers $Headers -Body ($OrgSettings | ConvertTo-Json)

# Configure device enrollment settings
$EnrollmentSettings = @{
    requireSupervision = $true
    enableAutomaticEnrollment = $true
    enrollmentProfile = "Education-Profile"
    skipSetupSteps = @(
        "AppleID",
        "Biometric",
        "Payment",
        "Zoom",
        "Restore",
        "SIMSetup",
        "Android",
        "Tone"
    )
}

$EnrollmentUri = "$JamfSchoolURL/api/enrollment/settings"
Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $EnrollmentUri -Method PUT -Headers $Headers -Body ($EnrollmentSettings | ConvertTo-Json)

Device Groups and Policies

Smart Groups Configuration:

# Smart Groups for automated device management
Smart Groups:

1. Elementary Devices (K-5)
   Criteria: Grade Level = K,1,2,3,4,5
   Purpose: Age-appropriate app restrictions and content filtering

2. Middle School Devices (6-8)
   Criteria: Grade Level = 6,7,8
   Purpose: Balanced restrictions with increased functionality

3. High School Devices (9-12)
   Criteria: Grade Level = 9,10,11,12
   Purpose: Minimal restrictions, focus on productivity

4. Shared Devices
   Criteria: Device Name contains "SHARED"
   Purpose: Multi-user configuration and reset policies

5. Teacher Devices
   Criteria: User Type = Teacher
   Purpose: Administrative access and classroom management tools

6. Low Battery Devices
   Criteria: Battery Level < 20%
   Purpose: Automated notifications and charging reminders

Configuration Profiles by Grade Level:

# Elementary Configuration Profile (K-5)
Profile: Elementary-Restrictions
Settings:
- App Store: Disabled
- Safari: Restricted to education sites only
- Camera: Enabled with restrictions
- AirDrop: Contacts only
- Screen Time: 6 hours daily limit
- Bedtime: 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM
- Always-on VPN: Education content filter
- Guided Access: Enabled for assessments

# Middle School Configuration Profile (6-8)
Profile: MiddleSchool-Balanced
Settings:
- App Store: Teacher approval required
- Safari: Moderate filtering
- Camera: Enabled
- AirDrop: Contacts only
- Screen Time: 8 hours daily limit
- Bedtime: 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM
- Social media: Restricted during school hours
- Productivity apps: Full access

# High School Configuration Profile (9-12)
Profile: HighSchool-Productivity
Settings:
- App Store: Enabled with content restrictions
- Safari: Basic filtering only
- Camera: Full access
- AirDrop: Everyone
- Screen Time: 10 hours daily limit
- Research tools: Full access
- Creative apps: Full access
- Career preparation tools: Enabled

Application Management and Deployment

Educational App Portfolio

Core Educational Apps by Grade Level:

Category Elementary (K-5) Middle School (6-8) High School (9-12)
Reading/Language Arts Epic!, Reading A-Z, Seesaw Book Creator, Flipgrid, Notability Pages, Grammarly, MLA Guide
Mathematics Number Pieces, Math Learning Center Graphing Calculator, GeoGebra Desmos, Wolfram Alpha, Statistics
Science Toca Lab, NASA App Elements 4D, Star Walk Molecular Model Kit, Periodic Table
Social Studies Stack the Countries, Timeline Google Earth, History Maps Constitution App, AP Gov
Creative Arts Drawing Pad, GarageBand Procreate, iMovie Adobe Creative Suite, Logic Pro
Productivity Seesaw, Class Dojo Google Workspace, Notability Microsoft Office, Notion

App Deployment Automation:

# PowerShell script for automated app deployment via Jamf School API
function Deploy-EducationalApps {
    param(
        [string]$GradeLevel,
        [array]$DeviceGroups
    )
    
    # Define app packages by grade level
    $AppPackages = @{
        "Elementary" = @(
            @{ name = "Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos"; bundleId = "com.getepic.Epic"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "Seesaw: The Learning Journal"; bundleId = "com.seesaw.shadowpuppet"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "GarageBand"; bundleId = "com.apple.mobilegarageband"; required = $false },
            @{ name = "Swift Playgrounds"; bundleId = "com.apple.swift.playgrounds"; required = $false }
        )
        "MiddleSchool" = @(
            @{ name = "Notability"; bundleId = "com.gingerlabs.Notability"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "Book Creator One"; bundleId = "com.redjumper.bookcreator"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "GeoGebra Graphing Calculator"; bundleId = "org.geogebra.ios.graphing"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "iMovie"; bundleId = "com.apple.iMovie"; required = $false }
        )
        "HighSchool" = @(
            @{ name = "Pages"; bundleId = "com.apple.Pages"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "Numbers"; bundleId = "com.apple.Numbers"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "Keynote"; bundleId = "com.apple.Keynote"; required = $true },
            @{ name = "Desmos Graphing Calculator"; bundleId = "com.desmos.calculator"; required = $true }
        )
    }
    
    $Apps = $AppPackages[$GradeLevel]
    
    foreach ($App in $Apps) {
        foreach ($Group in $DeviceGroups) {
            $DeploymentData = @{
                appBundleId = $App.bundleId
                deviceGroupId = $Group.id
                installAction = if ($App.required) { "install" } else { "make_available" }
                removeOnUnenroll = $true
            }
            
            $Uri = "$JamfSchoolURL/api/app-deployments"
            try {
                Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $Uri -Method POST -Headers $Headers -Body ($DeploymentData | ConvertTo-Json)
                Write-Host "Deployed $($App.name) to $($Group.name)"
            } catch {
                Write-Error "Failed to deploy $($App.name) to $($Group.name): $($_.Exception.Message)"
            }
        }
    }
}

Volume Purchase Program (VPP) Management

License Management Strategy:

# VPP License allocation and management
License Allocation Strategy:

1. Device-Based Licensing (Shared Devices)
   - Library iPads: Device-assigned licenses
   - Computer lab iPads: Device-assigned licenses
   - Substitute teacher carts: Device-assigned licenses

2. User-Based Licensing (1:1 Devices)
   - Student personal devices: User-assigned licenses
   - Teacher devices: User-assigned licenses
   - Administrative devices: User-assigned licenses

3. License Pool Management
   - Elementary pool: 2,000 licenses
   - Middle school pool: 1,500 licenses
   - High school pool: 1,500 licenses
   - Teacher pool: 800 licenses
   - Shared device pool: 200 licenses

4. Automatic License Reclamation
   - Inactive devices: 30 days
   - Graduated students: End of school year
   - Transferred students: Immediate
   - Damaged devices: Upon replacement

Classroom Management Integration

Apple Classroom App Configuration

Teacher iPad Setup:

# Apple Classroom configuration for teachers
Teacher Device Configuration:

1. Classroom App Installation
   - Pre-installed on all teacher iPads
   - Automatic class roster synchronization
   - Student device discovery enabled

2. Class Management Features
   - View student screens
   - Launch apps on student devices
   - Share student work to Apple TV
   - Lock student devices during instruction
   - Navigate students to specific content

3. Assessment Integration
   - Distribute and collect assignments
   - Monitor student progress
   - Provide real-time feedback
   - Generate progress reports

4. Collaboration Tools
   - AirDrop assignment distribution
   - Screen sharing capabilities
   - Group project coordination
   - Peer review facilitation

Student Device Classroom Integration:

# Student device classroom management settings
Student Device Settings:

1. Classroom App Permissions
   - Allow teacher to view screen: Yes
   - Allow teacher to lock device: Yes
   - Allow teacher to launch apps: Yes
   - Allow AirPlay to classroom Apple TV: Yes

2. Guided Access Configuration
   - Enable for assessments: Yes
   - Teacher passcode required: Yes
   - Automatic timeout: 30 minutes
   - Restrict touch areas during tests: Yes

3. Screen Time Integration
   - Classroom time exemptions: Yes
   - Educational app priority: Yes
   - Automatic focus modes: Yes
   - Teacher override capabilities: Yes

4. Content Restrictions
   - Age-appropriate content only: Yes
   - Educational site whitelist: Yes
   - Social media blocking during class: Yes
   - Gaming restrictions during instruction: Yes

Network Infrastructure and Security

WiFi Network Design

Network Segmentation Strategy:

# Network VLAN configuration for iPad deployment
VLAN Configuration:

VLAN 10 - Student Devices (K-5)
- IP Range: 10.10.0.0/22
- DHCP Pool: 10.10.0.100 - 10.10.3.254
- Content Filtering: Strict (K-5 appropriate)
- Bandwidth Limit: 10 Mbps per device
- Internet Access: Filtered and monitored

VLAN 20 - Student Devices (6-8)
- IP Range: 10.20.0.0/22
- DHCP Pool: 10.20.0.100 - 10.20.3.254
- Content Filtering: Moderate (6-8 appropriate)
- Bandwidth Limit: 15 Mbps per device
- Internet Access: Filtered with educational exceptions

VLAN 30 - Student Devices (9-12)
- IP Range: 10.30.0.0/22
- DHCP Pool: 10.30.0.100 - 10.30.3.254
- Content Filtering: Basic (research-friendly)
- Bandwidth Limit: 20 Mbps per device
- Internet Access: Minimal filtering

VLAN 40 - Teacher Devices
- IP Range: 10.40.0.0/24
- DHCP Pool: 10.40.0.100 - 10.40.0.254
- Content Filtering: Minimal
- Bandwidth Limit: 50 Mbps per device
- Internet Access: Full access with monitoring

VLAN 50 - Shared/Guest Devices
- IP Range: 10.50.0.0/24
- DHCP Pool: 10.50.0.100 - 10.50.0.254
- Content Filtering: Strict
- Bandwidth Limit: 5 Mbps per device
- Internet Access: Limited and heavily monitored

Content Filtering and Security

Age-Appropriate Content Filtering:

Grade Level Filtering Level Allowed Categories Blocked Categories
K-2 Maximum Educational games, basic research Social media, video streaming, news
3-5 High Educational content, supervised research Social media, inappropriate content
6-8 Moderate Research, educational videos, collaboration Social media during class, gaming
9-12 Basic Full research access, productivity tools Inappropriate content, malware sites

Deployment Process and Timeline

Phased Deployment Strategy

Phase 1: Pilot Program (Weeks 1-4)

  • Scope: 2 elementary classrooms, 1 middle school class, 1 high school class
  • Objectives: Test infrastructure, refine processes, train pilot teachers
  • Activities:
    • Deploy 120 iPads to pilot classrooms
    • Configure Apple School Manager and Jamf School
    • Test network performance and content filtering
    • Conduct intensive teacher training
    • Gather feedback and refine deployment process

Phase 2: Elementary Rollout (Weeks 5-12)

  • Scope: All 15 elementary schools
  • Objectives: Deploy 2,000 iPads to elementary students
  • Activities:
    • School-by-school deployment over 8 weeks
    • Teacher training sessions at each school
    • Parent information sessions
    • Student orientation and digital citizenship training
    • Ongoing technical support and troubleshooting

Phase 3: Middle School Rollout (Weeks 13-18)

  • Scope: All 7 middle schools
  • Objectives: Deploy 1,500 iPads to middle school students
  • Activities:
    • Subject-area teacher training
    • Advanced app deployment and configuration
    • Student technology leadership program
    • Integration with existing learning management system

Phase 4: High School Rollout (Weeks 19-24)

  • Scope: All 3 high schools
  • Objectives: Deploy 1,500 iPads to high school students
  • Activities:
    • Advanced productivity and creative app training
    • Career and college preparation integration
    • Student tech support team establishment
    • Advanced project-based learning implementation

Device Preparation and Distribution

Automated Device Preparation:

# Device preparation workflow using Apple Configurator 2
Device Preparation Process:

1. Unboxing and Inventory
   - Scan device serial numbers
   - Record device assignments
   - Apply asset tags
   - Document device condition

2. Apple Configurator 2 Setup
   - Connect devices to preparation station
   - Apply supervision and enrollment profiles
   - Install required apps and content
   - Configure device settings

3. Quality Assurance Testing
   - Verify network connectivity
   - Test app functionality
   - Confirm content filtering
   - Validate classroom management features

4. Distribution Preparation
   - Package devices with accessories
   - Include user guides and documentation
   - Prepare distribution tracking sheets
   - Schedule delivery to schools

Training and Professional Development

Comprehensive Teacher Training Program

Training Curriculum by Role:

Role Training Hours Key Topics Delivery Method
Elementary Teachers 12 hours Basic iPad use, educational apps, classroom management Hands-on workshops
Middle School Teachers 16 hours Subject integration, collaboration tools, assessment Subject-specific sessions
High School Teachers 20 hours Advanced apps, productivity, project-based learning Department-based training
IT Support Staff 40 hours Device management, troubleshooting, security Technical deep-dive
Administrators 8 hours Program overview, data analytics, policy Executive briefings

Ongoing Professional Development:

  • Monthly Tech Talks: 1-hour sessions on new features and best practices
  • Peer Mentoring: Experienced teachers mentor newcomers
  • Summer Institutes: Intensive multi-day training programs
  • Online Resources: Self-paced learning modules and video tutorials
  • Conference Attendance: Support for educational technology conferences

Student and Parent Engagement

Digital Citizenship Program

Age-Appropriate Digital Citizenship Curriculum:

# Digital Citizenship Curriculum by Grade Level

Elementary (K-5): "Digital Explorers"
- Lesson 1: What is a digital citizen?
- Lesson 2: Being kind online
- Lesson 3: Keeping personal information safe
- Lesson 4: Asking for help when confused
- Lesson 5: Taking care of technology

Middle School (6-8): "Digital Leaders"
- Lesson 1: Digital footprints and reputation
- Lesson 2: Cyberbullying prevention and response
- Lesson 3: Information literacy and fact-checking
- Lesson 4: Creative Commons and copyright
- Lesson 5: Healthy technology habits

High School (9-12): "Digital Citizens"
- Lesson 1: Digital law and ethics
- Lesson 2: Online privacy and security
- Lesson 3: Digital communication and collaboration
- Lesson 4: Information and media literacy
- Lesson 5: Technology and career readiness

Parent and Family Engagement

Parent Education and Support:

  • Information Sessions: School-based sessions explaining the iPad program
  • Home Use Guidelines: Clear expectations for device use at home
  • Technical Support: Parent help desk for technical issues
  • Digital Parenting Resources: Guides for supporting learning at home
  • Progress Monitoring: Tools for parents to monitor student progress

Results and Impact Assessment

Quantitative Outcomes

Academic Performance Metrics:

  • Standardized Test Scores: 12% improvement in math, 8% in reading
  • Digital Literacy Assessments: 95% of students meet grade-level standards
  • Project Completion Rates: 18% increase in on-time submissions
  • Collaboration Metrics: 300% increase in peer-to-peer collaboration
  • Creative Output: 250% increase in multimedia project creation

Technical Performance Metrics:

  • Device Uptime: 99.2% availability during school hours
  • Network Performance: Average response time under 100ms
  • App Deployment Success: 98.5% successful app installations
  • Support Ticket Volume: 2.3 tickets per 100 devices per month
  • Device Damage Rate: 3.1% annual damage rate

Qualitative Impact

Teacher Feedback:

  • Engagement: 89% report increased student engagement
  • Differentiation: 92% better able to meet diverse learning needs
  • Creativity: 85% see increased student creativity and innovation
  • Collaboration: 91% report improved student collaboration
  • Assessment: 78% find digital assessment more effective

Student Feedback:

  • Learning Enjoyment: 94% enjoy learning more with iPads
  • Skill Development: 88% feel more confident with technology
  • Creativity: 91% feel more creative in their work
  • Collaboration: 86% work better with classmates
  • Future Readiness: 93% feel better prepared for future careers

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

Critical Success Factors

  • Infrastructure First: Robust network infrastructure is essential before device deployment
  • Teacher Buy-In: Comprehensive training and ongoing support ensure teacher adoption
  • Gradual Implementation: Phased rollout allows for refinement and optimization
  • Student Voice: Including students in planning improves program effectiveness
  • Parent Communication: Clear communication with families builds community support

Challenges and Solutions

Technical Challenges:

  • Challenge: WiFi congestion during peak usage
  • Solution: Upgraded to WiFi 6 and implemented load balancing
  • Result: Eliminated connectivity issues and improved performance

Pedagogical Challenges:

  • Challenge: Teachers struggling to integrate technology meaningfully
  • Solution: Implemented peer mentoring and ongoing coaching
  • Result: 95% of teachers now regularly use iPads for instruction

Future Enhancements and Roadmap

Technology Roadmap

  • Year 2: Apple TV deployment in all classrooms for enhanced collaboration
  • Year 3: Augmented reality integration for immersive learning experiences
  • Year 4: Advanced analytics and AI-powered personalized learning
  • Year 5: Full digital transformation with paperless classrooms

Program Expansion

  • Pre-K Integration: Extend program to pre-kindergarten students
  • Special Education Enhancement: Specialized apps and accessibility features
  • Community Programs: After-school and summer learning programs
  • Parent Device Program: Loaner devices for families without home technology

Conclusion

The successful deployment of 5,000 iPads across Riverside School District demonstrates the transformative potential of well-planned educational technology initiatives. The combination of Apple School Manager and Jamf School provided the management foundation necessary for a large-scale deployment while maintaining security, compliance, and educational focus.

Key factors in the program's success included comprehensive planning, robust infrastructure, extensive teacher training, and ongoing support. The phased deployment approach allowed for continuous refinement and optimization, resulting in high adoption rates and positive educational outcomes.

"The iPad deployment has fundamentally changed how our students learn and how our teachers teach. The technology has become invisible, allowing the focus to remain on learning while providing powerful tools for creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking." - Superintendent, Riverside School District

As the program continues to evolve, the district remains committed to leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes while preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. The foundation established through this deployment provides a platform for continued innovation and educational excellence.

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