Go to the URL of your slides and go towards the end where it says edit followed by some more characters. Delete from the word edit till the end. Now copy the edited URL and send link to your students via email. This will force them to make copies so that your original Google Slides project won't be edited. Please see the two pictures below that illustrates these tips:
After doing all of the above, the students can start their collaborative Digital Storytelling activity by referring to the guide you pasted on the first slide. Have fun!
