[codeswimmer]

You might want to take a look at some of the available online computer science courses (iTunes U, MIT OpenCourseware, Khan Academy, Udemy). Tons of really, really good introductory courses are available that can help with picking up the basics (Stanford's "Programming Methodology" [http://goo.gl/Tbejg] and "Programming Abstractions" [http://goo.gl/RdwLt] come to mind).

As others have pointed out, Meetups are a great way to learn, particularly specialized and cutting-edge stuff, not to mention the networking-with-others potential. Same for joining an open source project and contributing as you learn.

Finally, if there's the equivalent of a Hacker Dojo (http://goo.gl/B2ats) local to you, drop in. People love to help and mentor others.

Good luck to you!