really you take an art class to 1) learn technique(s) 2) get used to critique 3) to be around folk that also in want of learning; formally, in a focused way...that being in the case, most place have photography clubs/groups that could serve a similar, if maybe not as focused or formal, purpose...
the sony rx100 series is just about the best point & shoot available, you probably can find both the rx100 and the rx100 mk II for around $400...very capable camera, but it is only 24mm at the wide end which is wide but not nearly as wide as a gopro which is supposed to be around 12-16mm (it is also a fisheye, so it has an exaggerated look that not too many P&S cameras can get); it is quite a big difference...if you want the gopro look $400 will get you a silver edition gopro 4 w/an lcd screen, or you could save a bit of $$$ (you could maybe get one of those for around $180-$250) & rock with a gopro 3 or 3+ black edition and use your phone as a screen (the sony qx series, specifically the qx10 & qx100, may also be an option but they're not the most user friendly from what i've read)...
some fall edits:
fall by
me_myself_n_eye, on Flickr
shaky streaks by
me_myself_n_eye, on Flickr
autumn days by
me_myself_n_eye, on Flickr