Hi. I'm new too. I'm have been really enjoying following the lessons in the DPS Blog. There are a lot of really basic concepts that give the important building blocks to photography.
As far as classes, try as mentioned above and you also might try some of your local camera shops. A few of my local shops offer some really great classes for different levels of students and types of shots you like to take.
There is so much information on the internet and that can be found in the library. I'm actually trying to pry myself off of the forum this very minute and go to the library and get a book.
It seems to me that you just have to practice, practice, practice!!!
Have fun.