Stacey,
I can understand your frustration - trust me. But please don't feel like what you're learning is a waste of time and money or is outdated.
I don't know the history or progression of change in the course, but what I can tell you is that lesson one was like learning another language. 
I've never studied art or design so it was completely new to me.
I've been in non-clinical health care since 1997 and tha'ts all I'm know. I've drawn in the past and took an evening art class at a local college, but nothing definitive.
I can say I have learned a lot in that first lesson, which I feel still applies to design. I think the hands-on tools and tecniques are what would be the outdated portion of the course.
But I'll keep you informed of the outcome.