While it is highly recomended to take a level one Avalanche course, the reality is often time and money prevent many from ever getting around to doing it. I have found a really decent online course that is presented by the Canadian Avalanche Association. This course is free and costs nothing more than your time. So close up 2girls1cup.com, pour yourself a drink and spend some time watching something that while not a substitute for a full on avy course, just could save your life or that of a riding partner.
Avalanche First Response Training