I'd say the firearms handling course would be money wisely spent. It not only will show you more about your present gun but it'll teach you the basics of the other styles of guns as well. Along with that I'd similarly recomend you buy a set of snap caps and practice like the others are suggesting. You may want to look into a speed loader or two as well.
BC....I'm going to join a gun club. A lot of my friends who were never raised around guns are joining gun clubs now so they can get a gun and learn how to use it. It just amazes me how afraid people are of guns here. But then I know how important it is to use precaution. Just reading all the things you guys have posted make me think about all the people out there who have guns and are totally (more even than me) clueless and careless with them. I'm not careless. Honestly I'm very careful. If not I would have never called the cops to help me decock it. But...I do think it will be fun to go to school and get involved in a gun club. I'm a great shot too. I really am.