I agree, Books can help.
Consider this however, if you read a book full of codes and concepts without ever turning on your computer and following along, How much of that information is actually retained?
However, if you follow along with the book in a "hands" on experience, you will retain more (memory from actions).
the courses are essentially the same thing, in a non literal non offensive manner (to books) The teacher is the book, and the students the readers.