Hi Jennifer,
italki definitly provides some very valuable resources. I would use it as one of the many methods of learning but you will definitly see gains once you start speaking.
I have been pretty agressive with my studies for the past 6 months. I try to learn 10 or more new words a day, watch an hour of television in Spanish, use the italki app, study grammer daily, etc. I have found some excellen teachers here for very cheap and others that are more than happy to practice speaking at all levels.
My advice is dont focus on one method, use them all, but definitly speak. Find a teacher to have formal lessons regularly and meet others to help them practice and they will happily help you!
Bobby