IFR Ground Training

[Sorry for not reading the FAQ first...]

As a soon-to-be-minted private pilot, what are the experiences of
others concerning instrument training and self-teaching?

I don't have a problem flying with my current flight school to get the
hours, but I question the need for their formal ground school and the
requisite pile of books.

I'm an engineer and have been studying instrument flight for a few
years, so I'm I'm thinking about some kind of self-paced computer
training to augment the dual time. Any pointers?

Thanks -Scott