Introducing Contact North | Contact Nord’s Four FREE, Easy-to-Use AI-Powered Apps for Education and Training |
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Can/Am Report Vol. 19 Issue, No. 4
June 04, 2026
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New Book Podcast Alert: AI Unplugged: The Hype and Hope in Education Futures, in conversation with Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd |
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Dear MindShare Community Member,
As we welcome the summer season and reflect on another transformative month in education, innovation, and technology, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: artificial intelligence is no longer a future conversation, it is now a national priority.
Canada has entered a defining moment with the launch of the federal government's new
"AI for All" strategy, signaling a commitment to ensuring every Canadian has the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in an AI-powered world. For education leaders, this represents both an extraordinary opportunity and an important responsibility.
From classrooms and campuses to workplaces and communities, AI literacy is rapidly becoming a foundational competency alongside reading, writing, and digital citizenship. As educators, we are being called upon not only to help learners understand AI technologies but also to foster the critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment, and human-centered leadership skills that will distinguish future-ready citizens.
This month's CanAm Report highlights how educational institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators across Canada and North America are responding to this challenge. We are witnessing significant advancements in responsible AI adoption, educator professional learning, student AI literacy initiatives, cybersecurity preparedness, and new pathways for workforce development.
Particularly encouraging is the growing recognition that AI implementation must remain grounded in human values. Whether exploring new assessment models, supporting student wellbeing, or designing future-ready learning experiences, the conversation is increasingly focused not on replacing human potential, but on amplifying it.
This Month's Highlights
• Canada launches its new "AI for All" national strategy focused on AI literacy, workforce development, and digital skills
• Apple prepares to unveil the next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri at WWDC 2026, signaling continued evolution of consumer AI experiences
• C21 Canada expands its leadership in AI literacy through the Student AI Micro-Credential initiative, helping learners develop responsible and future-ready AI competencies
• The 18th Canadian Schools of the Future AI for Student Wellbeing Challenge officially launches, empowering students to explore AI solutions that support mental health and wellbeing. It's not too late to enter!
• C21 Canada - Dell Tech AI Use Case Project Spotlight: Data Skaters, A Use Case in First Nations Data Sovereignty and AI LiteracyManitoba First Nation School System (MFNSS), MFNERC, Manitoba
• Educational institutions across North America continue advancing AI innovation through new learning platforms, research initiatives, and workforce development programs
• Planning continues for the 17th Canadian EdTech AI Summit, bringing together education and industry leaders to explore the future of learning in an AI-inspired world.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community of educators, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and lifelong learners who continue to shape the future of education through collaboration, curiosity, and courage.
As we prepare for ISTE 2026 and our 35th CanAm Celebration of Excellence Meetup, I look forward to connecting with many of you and continuing the important conversations that will help define the next chapter of learning and innovation across Canada and beyond.
I encourage you to explore this month's stories, share your perspectives, and engage with the growing community of leaders committed to ensuring that AI serves education in meaningful, ethical, and human-centered ways.
Together, we have an unprecedented opportunity to help shape a future where technology enhances learning, empowers educators, and supports the wellbeing and success of every learner.
Stay connected, inspired, and future-focused! And keep the learning curve steep!
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Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
Founder & President, MindShare Learning Media & Consulting
Chief Digital Publisher, The MindShare Learning Report™
Chair, 17th Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit
Founder, MindShare Workspace--Your Place to Work & Learn
CEO & Co-founder, C21 Canada--Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation
Follow us on Twitter @MindShareLearn @c21can @mindsharework
https://mindsharelearning.ca/ |
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Canada Unveils “AI for All” Strategy to Strengthen AI Literacy and Digital Skills Nationwide |
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Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced Canada’s new AI for All strategy
The launch of Canada’s new AI for All national strategy marks an important and timely step forward in preparing Canadians for one of the most transformative periods in modern history.
As someone who has spent decades working at the intersection of education, innovation, and technology, I am encouraged to see the federal government recognize that AI is not simply a technology issue, it is a people, learning, workforce, citizenship, and sovereignty issue.
For education, this is a defining moment.AI literacy must become a foundational competency for every learner, educator, and leader, from K12 to postsecondary, workforcelearning, and lifelonglearning.
The strategy’s focus on AI training, educator support, trusted tools, digital skills, and youth opportunities reinforces that AI readiness is now a national learning priority.
The real opportunity ahead is implementation: ensuring these investments reach classrooms, support teachers, protect student wellbeing and data, and help learners build the critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and ethical judgment needed in an AI-inspired world.
At C21 Canada and MindShare Learning Media & Consulting, we’ve seen first-hand through our research reports and use case projects that the most promising AI innovation is human-centred, pedagogically sound, and focused on improving learning outcomes and administrative efficiencies.
Canada has an opportunity to lead, not only in AI research and commercialization, but in preparing every learner to thrive.
Checkout our latest round of our C21 - Dell Tech AI Use Case Projects and the C21 Task Force Report that was submitted to the Feds to inform their education strategy. DM to learn more about our AI national network & initiatives.
Read the announcement here: https://lnkd.in/efWTdA3h |
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It's NOT too Late to Enter! Extended! |
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Save the Date! New Sponsors & Speakers Welcome! Use code Super30 for 30% off! |
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Announcingour New Bronze Sponsor
American College of Education |
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ECNO 2026 Spotlight: Recognizing Excellence in Education Technology |
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The ECNO 2026 Conference,
Smart, Secure, Supportive, brought together education technology leaders from across Ontario to explore innovation, cybersecurity, and the future of digital learning. Congratulations to Jason Hillier from Avon Maitland District School Board on receiving the Dan Cousineau Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to education technology. Congratulations as well to Sandy Owens from Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, recipient of the Sandra Quehl Award, whose impact on education continues to inspire colleagues across the province. On behalf of the MindShare Learning community, we celebrate both recipients and thank them for their commitment to advancing learning and innovation.
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Sandy Owens, from OCDSB Sandra Quehl Jason Hillier from Avon Maitland, Dan Cousineau
award winner award winner. |
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Thank you to the ECNO sponsors who make professional learning possible at scale |
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Google's Britton Picciolini engaged ECNO delegates with a deep dive into NotebookLM and the latest trends AI in education. They are definitely one to watch in education! |
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Always great to connect with longtime friends & colleagues, Michael & Matt. ECNO is as much about building community and social learning as it is about the formal PD sessions. Kudos to ECNO organizers for an outstanding conference. |
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Congratulations Rashmi Swarup on announcing your retirement @ Peel District School Board! 🎉 |
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Celebrating Student Innovation at the Peel LEIP Project Showcase |
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MindShare Learning was honoured to be invited this week to the Peel District School Board’s LEIP Project Showcase, an inspiring celebration of student voice, creativity, and innovation in action.
Congratulations to all participating students, educators, mentors, and organizers on an incredible event featuring 100+ innovation projects that reflected imagination, problem-solving, collaboration, and future-ready learning.
From robotics and AI to sustainability, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and student-led change initiatives, the showcase was a powerful reminder that when learners are given the opportunity to create, explore, and lead, they rise to the challenge in remarkable ways.
A special thank you to the Peel District School Board team for continuing to champion innovation and experiential learning across the system. Events like LEIP help build the confidence, skills, and mindset students need to thrive in an AI-inspired world.
Bravo to all the young innovators who shared their ideas and inspired us with their passion and purpose. The future of learning is in great hands!
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Book a Meeting @ ISTELIVE26 |
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Data Skaters, A Use Case in First Nations Data Sovereignty and AI Literacy
Manitoba First Nation School System (MFNSS), MFNERC, Manitoba |
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FREE Trial! C21 Canada Launches Student AI Micro-Credential, Supporting Student Well-Being in the Age of AI
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“AI is here. The question is whether it will improve the lives of all Canadians or benefit only a few.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
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AI Tool of the Week: Apple Intelligence & the New Siri
At Worldwide Developers Conference 2026 (WWDC 26'), Apple is expected to showcase major upgrades to Apple Intelligence, including a more personalized and context-aware Siri capable of understanding on-screen content, taking actions across apps, and handling more natural conversations. The new Siri is designed to act as a true AI assistant by leveraging personal context while maintaining Apple's strong privacy standards. Apple has indicated that its most advanced Siri features are still in development and are expected to roll out progressively over the coming year. More details, demonstrations, and release timelines are anticipated during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 9, 2026. |
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2026 State of EdTech Report (CoSN) |
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The 2026 State of EdTech report examines the current state of K–12 education through the perspectives of education technology leaders, who are responsible for technology infrastructure, instructional support, cybersecurity, innovation, and community engagement. The report highlights that 1:1 device programs are now nearly universal across grade levels, while districts continue to address concerns about student screen time. Key topics explored include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet connectivity, staffing shortages, procurement challenges, and device management. The findings help school districts and policymakers benchmark progress, make informed decisions, and promote the responsible, effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. |
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1. The K–12 Tech Reckoning Is Here
EdTech Digest | May 27, 2026
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An interview with Dell Technologies executive Leslie Harlien argues that K–12 schools have entered a new phase where technology decisions are judged by their impact on learning outcomes, financial sustainability, and student data protection. District leaders are facing increasing pressure to manage AI adoption, cybersecurity risks, infrastructure needs, and budget constraints all at once, making accountability more important than ever. Harlien emphasizes that successful AI implementation requires strong governance, clear educational goals, privacy safeguards, and measurable results rather than marketing hype. The article concludes that the future of K–12 technology will belong to districts that make strategic, disciplined decisions focused on long-term value and student success.
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2. Canada's AI Strategy Must Address the Technology's Use in K-12 Education
TechPolicy | May 26, 2026
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The article argues that Canada's upcoming national AI strategy is overlooking one of the most important sectors affected by AI: K–12 education. While AI is already being used extensively by students and teachers, Canada lacks a coordinated national approach for how schools should teach, govern, and safely implement AI.
The authors contend that AI in education should not simply be viewed as a technology issue. Instead, it is a workforce development, literacy, equity, and governance issue that requires collaboration among federal and provincial governments, school boards, educators, and industry. |
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3. CANeLearn 2.0: New Structure, New Approach
CanElearn | June 4, 2026 |
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The Canadian eLearning Network (CANeLearn) has streamlined its governance structure by transitioning from an advisory board to a more agile, three-director operational board. This corporate reorganization is supported by a newly created Advisory Council, allowing seasoned education leaders to provide strategic insights while stepping back from day-to-day management duties. Concurrently, the organization is maintaining its long-standing partnership with the State of the Nation project to publish the 18th annual report mapping out provincial, territorial, and federal e-learning policies. Furthermore, CANeLearn has launched a comprehensive research study to analyze the critical interventions and student support patterns that foster success within K-12 online learning environments across Canada.
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4. Google Launches Free AI Training Program for 6 Million U.S. Educators
AI Weekly | May 13, 2026 |
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Google has launched a free AI literacy program for all 6 million K–12 and higher education educators in the U.S. through a partnership with ISTE+ASCD. The training includes courses on foundational AI knowledge, classroom applications, and administrative uses, with educators earning digital badges upon completion. Google is also expanding its education footprint by integrating Gemini as an official AI provider for Moodle, one of the world's most widely used learning management systems. The initiative aims to help educators develop AI skills while increasing access to AI-powered tools in schools and classrooms across the country.
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5. Virginia School Districts Use Google Gemini Training to Support Responsible AI Adoption
E focus on k12 | May 22, 2026
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School leaders in Virginia are relying on training and implementation support to adopt Google Gemini effectively in K–12 education. Educators at Louisa County Public Schools and Ella Fitzgerald Middle School are using Gemini to improve communication, analyze data, streamline administrative tasks, and support decision-making while emphasizing responsible implementation. District leaders stress that successful AI adoption requires clear goals, staff training, ongoing support, and a focus on solving real educational challenges rather than simply introducing new technology. The article highlights that schools are seeing benefits such as time savings, improved efficiency, and better-informed decisions, allowing educators to spend more time supporting teaching and learning.
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6. Polytechnique Montréal Researchers Develop Photonics Breakthrough to Reduce AI Energy Demand
Polytechnique Montréa| May 27, 2026 |
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Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal have developed a new material for photonic chips that could significantly reduce the energy consumption of data centres and AI systems. The material allows light to be processed directly on chips, eliminating some of the energy-intensive conversions between optical and electrical signals. As generative AI increases the amount of data exchanged between processors, this technology could help address the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure. The breakthrough may enable more efficient optical components and support the continued expansion of AI while reducing heat and electricity use.
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7. Anthropic Brings Free AI Fluency Courses to Coursera for Students, Educators, and Nonprofits
CourseraBlog| May 28, 2026 |
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Anthropic has launched five free AI fluency courses on Coursera for educators, students, and nonprofit professionals, expanding access to AI literacy and practical AI skills. The courses cover topics such as human-AI collaboration, ethical AI use, curriculum integration, assessment design, and workforce readiness. Designed to help learners use AI responsibly and effectively, the program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and informed decision-making rather than reliance on AI. The initiative reflects the growing importance of AI literacy as a foundational skill for education and future careers.
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8. University of Chicago Launches AI Research Commons Midwest Fellows Program for AI Startups
Polsky U Chicago| May 1, 2026 |
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The University of Chicago, through its Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has announced the first cohort of the AI Research Commons Midwest Fellows Program, supporting five early-stage AI startups from leading Midwest universities. Selected startups will receive mentorship, investor connections, technical guidance, and access to resources from partners including Microsoft and NVIDIA. The program aims to help researchers and entrepreneurs commercialize innovative AI technologies in areas such as machine learning, scientific knowledge work, AI infrastructure, and performance engineering. Organizers say the initiative strengthens the Midwest’s AI innovation ecosystem by connecting promising university-based startups with the resources needed to scale and attract investment. |
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9. Concordia University Launches Mark Pathy Space Institute with $15 Million Donation
Concordia University | May 13, 2026 |
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Concordia University will launch the Mark Pathy Space Institute following a $15 million donation from commercial astronaut Mark Pathy. The institute will serve as a hub for space engineering research, student training, and industry collaboration, supported by a dedicated off-campus testing facility. Concordia says the institute will bring together robotics, propulsion, human space health, and sustainability within a single research ecosystem—the first of its kind at a Canadian university. University leaders believe the initiative will strengthen Canada's aerospace sector while preparing students for careers in the rapidly growing space industry. |
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10. Western University Joins European Neurotechnology Alliance to Advance Research and Training
Western University | May 13, 2026 |
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Western University has become the first non-European global partner of NeurotechEU, an alliance of nine European universities focused on neurotechnology research and education. Through the partnership, Western will collaborate on cutting-edge neurotechnology research and explore international training opportunities for students and researchers. University leaders say the alliance will help address complex scientific challenges by connecting expertise across institutions and disciplines. The collaboration strengthens Western's global research network while expanding opportunities in one of the fastest-growing technology and neuroscience fields. |
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Professional Learning Events |
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10th Canadian International Conference on Education, Teaching and Technology 2026
June 4 - 5 2026
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ISTE Conference
June 28 - July 1 2026
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35th Can/Am International Edtech reception
June 30th, 2026
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ERDI, Summer R&D Institute | San Diego, CA
July 12-17, 2026
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EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
September 29 - October 2, 2026
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17th Canadian EdTech AI Summit
October 28 - 29 2026
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The May 2026 issue of edWeb Voice focuses on practical strategies and thought leadership for K–12 educators and district leaders, with a strong emphasis on literacy, student engagement, AI, cybersecurity, and career readiness. |
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Teacher/Parent Resources Corner
Essential Edtech Tools
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Leading Innovation in Education
Advertise your not-for-profit organization or EdTech company, sponsor a Webinar or Canadian EdTech Summit!, share your press releases, career opportunities, and more! To inquire about our EdTech strategy consulting services,
Contact us at robert@mindsharelearning.com
MindShare Learning Digital Marketing & Strategy Playbook 2026.
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About MindShare Learning
MindShare Learning is Canada’s Leading EdTech Media, Marketing & Strategy Consulting Company. We offer expert insight to the learning technology sector to help leaders and learners thrive in the 21st Century global knowledge-based digital economy.
The MindShare Report Mission
Our goal is to keep you current and at the forefront of innovation in Canadian education through our weekly eMag. Be sure to connect with us:
- Contribute a story, or suggest a MindShareTV podcast
- Feedback, or suggestions on how to improve this report
- Advertise, sponsor, or strategic partnerships
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The MindShare Learning Report team consists of the following individuals:
Robert Martellacci, M.A. Ed Tech., Founder & Chief Digital Publisher
Dr. Ron Owston, PhD., Research Associate, University Professor Emeritus, Former Dean of Faculty, York University
Chris Kim, PhD., Research Associate, Software Engineer, software studio, Fresco Industries
Timothy Gard, B.Ed., OCT, M.A, Chief Learning Strategist
Hanan Mousa, M.B.A, B.C. S. Digital Media Specialist
MindShare Advisory Board
The MindShare Report is grateful for the guidance and support provided by our esteemed advisory board. Members include:
Laurent Burman, M.B.A., Chief Commercial Officer, Sound Commerce
Kevin Custer, Founding Principal, Arc Capital Development
Chip Fesko, Principal, Chip Fesko & Associates
Ian Fogarty, Educator, Riverview High School | MindShare National Video Challenge Award Winner
Dr. GuyTetrault, Award Winning Sun West School Division, Director & CEO (Retired)
Michael Furdyk, Co-Founder, TakingItGlobal
Dr. Eric Hamilton, Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Maxim Jean-Louis, CEO, Contact North/Contact Nord,
Gary Kern, Principal, St. George's School
Dr. Susanne Lajoie, Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University
David Marsi, Senior Manager Training Initiatives, ScotiaMcLeod
Mirella Rossi, Superintendent of Education, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Sandra Chow, Award Winning Teacher, Toronto District School Board (On Leave serving as a Director of Technology & Instruction at a School in China
Ron Sedran, MD, Equity Capital Markets, Canaccord Adams
About The MindShare Learning Report™
Canada's Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Our mission is to provide insight and inspiration to K12 and Post-Secondary education and industry leaders by sharing the latest trends and innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education market space and beyond.
Editorial content is welcomed for our weekly and monthly EdTech Reports.
Please forward your news releases as web links to
info@mindsharelearning.com
Advertising opportunities are available, please contact,
robert@mindsharelearning.com
Consulting opportunities are available, please contact:
robert@mindsharelearning.com
Annual subscriptions to the MindShare Learning Report can be purchased at $99 CDN
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