Hi!
A HUGE change in learning to fly today is that you can learn to fly at home.
The PC simulators now are FANTASTIC!
You can learn the whole cockpit setup, learn how to start the engine(s), and go through the whole training syllabus. You can shoot instrument approaches down to 200-1/2 in real-time weather, and interact with ATC and other pilots while flying.
Then, when you go to the airport for the first time, you are WAY ahead. You basically wouldn't even need instrument ground school for practical purposes, as you would know it all.
I wish I had those benefits when I started training!!!
cliff
NBO