Of course they are helpful if you try to use them to their full potential. I have been learning Spanish for some time on my own. The only problem with learning on your own is that you don't have anyone to talk to. I found many Native Spanish friends on Italki who help me with practicing Spanish on Skype. People ask so many questions here and native speakers help them to get answers. So yes this is a beautiful website :)

Yes? Practice is one of the key elements to learning a foreign language. Through the internet, it is now possible for people to practice foreign languages without having to take an expensive trip to another country. Why don't you think they would be helpful?