Main technical features and functionalities
The software is a website called insightmaker.com where users can produce and upload their own models. This case concerns the World 3 model, which is the model that the book Limits to growth was based on.
Using the model in learning experiences requires a basic knowledge about the Limits to growth discussion, including discussions on Planetary boundaries and the critique of these perspectives. Basic knowledge in economics, demography and natural resource management would make it easier to manipulate the variables in the model. Some of the model variables can be changed easily in the Graphical User interface, while others require the students to go into the modules of the model to explore at a level of individual variables. To do this a basic understanding of programming language is useful, for instance knowing basic functions like "if- then- statements" and similar. But most variable can be accessed in dialogue boxes.
The World 3 Model on Insightmaker .com can be accessed as a webpage and all manipulations can be done on-line. Results of the manipulations show up as scenarios and these scenarios can be compared.
The User Innerface is intuitive, more computer advanced student will find their ways around it. Preferably though is that the teacher gets well acquainted with the logics of insightmaker as well as with the Limits to growth discussion including the topics and systems dynamics covered in the World 3 model.

On the insightmaker there are various clones to the original models which makes it possible deepen the understanding by studying different interpretations and variations.

Examples on how to use them to analyse Complex Systems
The Insightmaker World 3 model can be used to experiment with scenarios related to the limits to growth and Planetary boundaries discussions. Student can make assumptions of available stocks and flows of natural resources at a global scale and how they are influenced by industrial production and population dynamics. Scenarios can be compared to see how different input values would make a difference to world futures. Hence the model can be used for discussions on environment and development. Students can also be encouraged to formulate critique to the model assumptions and they can be encouraged to compare scenarios with real world statistics to base their critique of the model on facts.

At another level, students who wants to learn more about system dynamic analysis can make deeper explorations of the World 3 model. It is possible to go into the equations and the programming to learn more about the thinking behind the model.

For the more advanced students, insightmaker.com provides opportunities for students to create their own models. Hence it would be possible to work with alternative assumptions for different modules of the World 3 model.

This application of the World 3 model is based on:
Cellier, F.E. (2008), “World3 in Modelica: Creating System Dynamics
Models in the Modelica Framework,” Proc. Modelica’08, Bielefeld,