Personally I'm a read and practice person.
My recommendations of books, sites, and podcasts:
Beginner (Digital Photography Books 1-3):
http://amzn.to/JcAj4Y
Lighting (David Hobby - Strobist blog):
http://bit.ly/PINy
Online Tutorials (Cambridge):
http://bit.ly/JNBeV
Composition (The Photographer's Eye):
http://amzn.to/JlnZOQ
Zone system, technical (The Negative):
http://amzn.to/HX39en
General (Understanding Exposure):
http://amzn.to/IUtKSv
Portraits (Perfect Picture Practice):
http://amzn.to/IrI6gf
Photography Podcast (Nik Radio):
http://bit.ly/9Na3zG
Photography Interviews Podcast (The Candid Frame):
http://bit.ly/lgVVd
Lightroom Book (Evening):
http://amzn.to/HHBZnZ
Photoshop Book (Evening):
http://amzn.to/I8t6kJ
-MS