Ok...here's the biggest help I think I can give anyone new to cgi (3d modelling) in general.
There is a website. A benevolent website, nearly as great as this one.
It is
http://www.cgtalk.com
This magnificent website is the ultimate site to learn any technique in any cg program, and an even BETTER place to post your work to get critiques (i.e. post your animation without textures or maybe your models and get feedback on how you're doing).
I like the site so much, I check it at least 3 times a week (their message board is even the same format as this one!!!)
Sorry if I seem a tad obsessed, but these guys got me started from scratch in 3d, so I kinda owe em.
neway, good luck with your anims!