hi there well i believe that a good way to start is by using the net and this forum to learn and then followed by yu going outside and shoot shoot shoot dun waste your money on beginners courses or something like that...the best teacher is yourself so start asking qns here but do search for the qns around here first b4 asking
alternatively, after reading up, you could also go on organised shoots with friendly people! they can give practical advice and you get to try what you've learnt in a setting that encourages learning.
the free course conducted by canon covers mainly the basic functions of the cam and not how to take better pictures. but i must say jino lee, the course instructor, does give some useful tips for beginners like us and he does explains his points well and clear.
hope this helps.