The first step in learning to find your way around the night sky is to learn some "sign posts". The ancients divided the sky up into numerous constellations, but you can get started by learning just a couple of them. This interactive web site will get you on your way: http://www.quietbay.net/Science/astronomy/nightsky/. In just a few minutes you will learn to identify the constellations of Orion, the Big Dipper (which technically is only a portion of the constellation Ursa Major), and Cassiopeia. You will also learn to identify two major stars: Polaris (the North Star) and Betelgeuse (pronounced "beetle-juice"). You'll also learn to recognize a planet in the night sky. It is a very good exercise to get you started.
Now that your appetite is whetted, here's a more comprehensive site on Learning the Constellations.
Learning on the computer is a great way to get started, but it is no substitute for getting out under the night sky and finding the constellations for yourself, so make sure to take some time to look at the night sky itself!
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