So technically both sentences are correct but the statements differ slightly from one another?

I feel your pain, I am struggling with Japanese because the sentence structure does not make sense to me. I feel like there is no specific rule that applies to most cases, you kind of have to know it which is quite challenging to learn. I am also using duolingo but I found it more helpful than text books because it sounds more natural. I know Japanese don't use 私は often as they try to omit it whenever possible. Dolingo keeps sentences true to that and makes you rearrange the sentences over and over to help with practice so I like it. 

Anyway, best of luck in your Japanese, I totally get your confusion, you are not alone!